The Gift of Gratitude Pt. 1

“If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” – Meister Eckhart

For a few years now, I have been experiencing a shift in my life and my luck (which in all honestly, has always been quite good). It has taken a positive spin from great to greater; and I have to say, I like it! I have a tiny suspicion that it might have something to do with a special 9-letter word: Gratitude.

What is Gratitude

Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and an attitude of abundance versus lack. It means that you are continuously counting your blessings and living as if every step and every occurrence is a miracle, from big to small. It is also a deep consciousness and gratefulness for all that you have already been given. I always say, 'give thanks to the Universe so it knows what you like.' Kind of like a boyfriend. Your big bright smile when he brings you flowers reads to him as “do that again please, this makes me happy.” Same goes for the Universe. Smile when even the smallest blessings come your way- like the metro arriving as soon as you get there or a parking spot that opens right up for you! Practice living this way until gratitude flows freely from you and you'll see that from small to big, blessings will start rolling your way.

Imagine the Possibilities

Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that everything in our lives isn’t necessarily great and certainly, some suffer far more than others. What I am saying however is to give thanks for the things that are good, great and excellent; small, big and outstanding. Research shows that those who practice & embody gratitude as an attitude & way of life, actually have stronger immune systems, are more resilient, have better social relationships and are more creative. Imagine what this could do for your job, health, love life, friendships, families...the possibilities are endless.

Like Attracts Like

But why or how can it be so powerful? The answer is simple, like attracts like. Stop focusing on what you lack, or else you will simply attract more “lack,” no not luck, into your life. Whatever you focus on, whatever you feed, will grow. Focus instead on all the positive things, people, experiences that you do have and watch them continue to make more and more appearances in your life!

"An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. 'A fight is going on inside me,' he said to the boy. 'It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil -- he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.'

He continued, 'The other is good -- he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you -- and inside every other person, too.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, 'Which wolf will win?' The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'"

~ Cherokee legend (Thrive, by Arianna Huffington)

Let me just ask you this, if you were to make a surprise visit to someone, would you rather they greeted you with a smile and hug – or a frown, asking why you didn’t come sooner

.Peace, love & gratitude!

Diana